The end of February finds us thinking about how far we want to go for a deal. There are bargains for traveling the world, discounts in your neighborhood and sales at your fingertips. Here’s a few good finds to get you started.

Pick up a pair of large hoop tassel earrings from ban.do, normally $30, now $7.50. (Photo courtesy of ban.do).

Ski and Snowboard Outlet is offering 30 to 80 percent off on all the gear you need to hit the slopes this winter. (File photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

WINTER WOWS

If the Olympics inspired you to hit the snow, Ski and Snowboard Outlet may be a good place to start shopping. Its stores boast a wide selection of outdoor snow apparel for men, women and children, plus new and used skis, snowboards and accessories. You can find brands like North Face, Ripcurl, Tactic, Roxy, Head and Nordica at savings from 30-80 percent. Ski and Snowboard Outlet is in San Gabriel and Santa Ana or visit online at www.skiandsnowlc.com.

IHOP is serving up free stacks of its original buttermilk pancakes on Feb. 27. (Photo courtesy of IHOP).

SERVING SMILES

Visit your local IHOP 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, for one free short stack of original buttermilk pancakes and you’ll feel good twice. For every plate served, IHOP will make a donation to local children’s hospitals and health organizations with a goal of $5 million. You are invited to make a donation as well. Please note that the offer is dine-in only and no purchase is required. Hours may vary at some locations. Go to www.ihop.com.

Enjoy a free yogurt product from Chobani by redeeming its online coupon by March 4. (Photo courtesy of Chobani).

SPOONS UP

Chobani is celebrating its 10th anniversary by treating its customers. You can receive a free Chobani product by going online to www.chobani.com/freeyogurt, printing out the coupon and then redeeming it at a participating retailer by Sunday, March 4. Chobani has also created a customized command for Amazon Echo users to redeem their coupon on Amazon Fresh and Prime Now Platforms.

Sarah Hollis, right, and Amir Abdullah rehearse for “A Raisin in the Sun” at A Noise Within in Pasadena. There will be a pay what you can performance March 1. (Photo by Brian Feinzimer).

GOT CULTURE?

If you long to see some great theater but your pocketbook says otherwise, consider catching a pay-what-you-can performance, such as A Noise Within’s “A Raisin in the Sun” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1. Playwright Lorraine Hansberry’s classic drama about an African American family in Chicago struggling with their competing dreams and racial intolerance is still relevant today. All tickets remaining after initial sales will be available as pay what you can, cash only, at the box office beginning at 7 p.m. on the day of the performance. A Noise Within is at 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, call 626-356-3100 or go to www.anoisewithin.org.

CARIBBEAN CALLING

MSC Cruises is trying to spread the word about its new ship, MSC Seaside, by offering seven-night Caribbean cruises for $449 with a $99 prepaid deposit, plus special 2-for-1 deals and other savings packages. The ship is designed for families with modular staterooms, kids-only restaurants, an interactive aquapark and free select cruises for children 11 and under who are third and fourth guests in a stateroom. The reduced deposit offer is good on bookings made by March 31 and the 2-for-1 cruise deals are good through May 31. Go to www.msccruisesusa.com.

FARAWAY PLACES

Among Shermans Travel’s best deals right now is WOW Air’s one-way flights to Europe. For example, you can fly from Los Angeles to Reykjavik, Iceland for $130, Brussels or Dublin for $158 or Barcelona or Copenhagen for $170. Be sure to read the fine print when booking, as there are additional costs for seat reservations and luggage. You must book by March 31 and travel by Oct. 2. Plan your getaway at www.shermanstravel.com.

Michelle Mills has been an entertainment and features reporter for the Southern California News Group since 1999. She has interviewed such notables as "Weird Al" Yankovic, Glen Campbell, Alice Cooper, Debbie Allen, Ernest Borgnine (during an earthquake) and Adam Young (Owl City). She was the 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade Queen reigning 2007-2009. She is a professional belly dancer (swordwork is her specialty) and also studies Polynesian and Tahitian dance.

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